HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Agriculture 2000, 2000-03-15, Page 35Guelph university study quantifies wildlife damage
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
With any type of agricultural com
modity, there are more costs
involved than those which show on
the expense sheet. Input costs for
seed, fertilizer, sprays, fuel, crop
insurance and animal feed can all be
quantified and expected. Yet how
does an operator estimate the poten
tial loss of revenue due to wildlife
damage?
A study currently underway by the
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement
Association (OSCIA) on behalf of
the Ontario Commodity Council, is
looking at substantial losses suf
fered by farmers. OSCIA has esti
mated wildlife damage costs opera
tors as much as $33 million in 1998
with $7 million spent or alleviation
of the problem.
Headed by Dr. Kim Rollins at the
University of Guelph, a significant
sampling of farmers was used to
ensure random results. With more
than 1,000 surveys sent out in the
spring of 1999 for a 1998 damage
report, there was a 60 per cent reply
rate. Surveys were again distributed
in the fall for last year’s conclusions.
A number of farmers were also
asked to keep a log book during the
year to record wildlife losses. Field
inspections were conducted by
trained crop and livestock loss asses
sors from AGRICORP and
OMAFRA.
Preliminary results show that half
of all field crops, fruit and vegetable
producers had some loss due to
wildlife.
Sheep producers suffered losses of
29 per cent because of coyotes,
wolves and dogs, while beef statis
tics reached 10 per cent.
However, these loss percentages
were not equally felt across the sur
vey results. Some farmers endured
minimal damage while others
reached levels which were intolera
ble and resulted in very serious eco
nomic impacts.
Project co-ordinator Ingrid Taylor
says the survey results will continue
to be compiled over the next few
weeks with the report to be complet
ed by the end of March. The study
will indicate what commodities were
most affected by which type of
wildlife and will highlight strategies
to begin looking for ways to reduce
the stresses caused by the losses.
While the report will not be
regionally specific, Taylor says there
will be case studies of unique situa
tions which were not covered in the
survey. One such example will be the
impact of the sand-billed crane in
certain regions.
The completed study will not be
available until into April. Those
interested in obtaining a copy may
call 519-826-4221 at that time.
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